Paragrpahs

Paragraphs – a group of sentences that together convey a shared purpose structured around the same topic.

Introductory Paragraphs (Introductions) Hook (Lead / Opening Statement) – can begin with the title Anecdotal (Brief story to set the mood and lead the reader into the

topic) There is a time, a moment if you will, when a person has the opportunity to turn their back or face a problem head on, no matter how difficult the situation may seem. That is what defines a hero, what makes a villain, and who you are. People face problems everyday, and those who are heroes don't always wear capes and masks, some wear a badge, some may be in a classroom. What makes someone special is what they do with what they have, and what they project to others. Query Based (Question that brings the reader to the topic - avoid second person POV “you”) Are people naturally good or bad? Thesis Statements (the purpose of a piece of writing – usually one sentence in length, but can be longer depending on the purpose – must be something that is arguable)

Assertion (claim - a subject + a “so what” about the subject) A single choice can make or break a person's outlook on the world. Fact (empirically verifiable but often difficult to argue extensively about - better used as evidence to support a claim) Good people always do the right thing even when nobody's looking. Opinion (personal position on a topic) “Bad people” can become good people.

Belief (social, religious, or political in nature – an opinion held by many to be a fact, though it is not necessarily factual – often involves a judgement) Good people must never do wrong, for their good is only viable as long as they don't sin. Generalization (uses absolute or statistical pronouns: all, always, every, never, none, most, half – avoid using this type of thesis statement unless citing the source of the data) All good people do bad things at some point in their lives. Document Based (cites a specific source, author, and position on a topic) According to Lifehack.org the trait of a good person is to be honest in relationships. Theory (a statement that can be tested and potentially proven often answers a research question) Doing good deeds can lead to having a better mental state and produce an increase in general happiness.

Clarification/Expansion of Thesis (could extend the thesis, preview the evidence supporting the thesis, give the purpose of thesis, establish the importance or significance of examining the intricacies of the thesis – this could be several sentences long) The author states that offering compliments also contributes to being a good person. The author states that good people are also generous with their belongings. Interacting with people and offering the slightest offering whether it be materialistic or verbally, it contributes to the overall goodness of someone.

Body Paragraphs (must have echoes of the thesis in each AND present evidence to support or expand on the thesis) Topic Sentences (must specifically indicate the topic of the paragraph and focus on one subject and/or area of evidence or support – could start with a “Transition of Logic” that connects to the previous paragraph to give context) Additionally, many sources say that doing something bad is a matter of perspective. (Now every sentence in this paragraph must be related to the connection between fast food and health) Presenting Evidence from Quotations (quotes should NEVER be used as individual sentences –quotes should be embedded within sentences) Original Quote: “I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people…:(Maya Angelou)

“Making the world a better place is key in the process of being a hero in real life” (maya angelou) “A hero is anyone who wishes to make the world a better place”

Examining the Evidence Paraphrasing (rewording of a quote into other words of the same length without quotation marks, but still citing the source - useful for examining the quote and transitioning to your analysis of the quote) Original Quote: “I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people…:(Maya Angelou) “Someone can be considered a hero if they strive to make the world a better place” (maya Angelou) Summarizing (condensing larger quotes or sections - useful for closing the examination of the quote/evidence and transitioning to your analysis of the quote) Original Quote: “I think a hero is any person really intent on making this a better place for all people…:(Maya Angelou)

You don't have to wear a cape to be a hero, good intent is all you need. Abstract Examples (hypothetical, “what if” examples that do not refer to a source – AVOID USING THEM AS EVIDENCE – but useful for examining the quote) People would be better people if the things they did were recognized.

Closing Paragraphs (Conclusions – should not be mere summaries of the previous paragraphs of your essay) Consequences of Disregarding the Thesis (establishing the potential consequences of disregarding the implications of the thesis – CREATING A COUNTERARGUMENT – could be one or more sentences) If people are treated differently they believe in different things which can lead to worse things in the future. Statement(s) of Extension (extending the consequences of disregarding the implications of the thesis – could be one or more sentences) As such, there is a wide variety of people and how they confront issues of everyday life, sometimes their decisions aren't considered “good” . Reestablishing the Significance of the Thesis (could be one or more sentences) Thus, being a good person is a choice, one that can be decided in every decision we make in our everyday lives. Choosing to do the smallest thing for others could make you in fact a “hero” . Final Sentence (closing statement that connects to the hook and finishes the essay (finish your argument) – the “Smoky the Bear”/”Drop the mic”/dot dot dot moment…) GIven all these examples towards the ideal person, one must question their previous actions and set a path for peace of mind.